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LETTER: It is OK to not be OK

Editor: As we approach one full year under various COVID-19 restrictions, I wanted to acknowledge and speak about the mental health toll that this has taken on many of us, myself included.

Editor:

As we approach one full year under various COVID-19 restrictions, I wanted to acknowledge and speak about the mental health toll that this has taken on many of us, myself included.

I’m fortunate enough to have employment, a roof over my head, and food security for my young son and myself. We’re healthy, and safe, and live in a town that has mountains as the backdrop, so it’s not the worst place to be stuck for a long period of time. I recognize and am very grateful for each of those things. 

None of those, however, mean my mental health has stayed intact and everything has been fine. I’ve struggled at times with anxiety, sobriety, and keeping a positive outlook as the days go on and the end of this seems more like a dream than reality.

Recognizing this within myself, and reaching out for help when I needed it, was the hardest part. It’s always the hardest part. It’s also the moment that the weight of doing it all alone gets lifted.  

And so for anyone that needs to hear this, I just want to support and encourage you to reach out and ask for the help you need. There is absolutely no shame in taking care of your physical self, so making sure your mental health is in order is just as essential to your overall well being. And you are so worth it. 

Sending love and compassion to anyone who needs it right now. I miss many of you so much and greatly look forward to giving out virus-free hugs and having long talks over tea when the time comes to do so again. 

Stay well, stay safe, and please, stay kind. 

Stephanie Ferracuti

Banff

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